Practice Nurse

RESPONSIBLE TO:

• Clinically to the Senior Nurse
• Administratively to the Practice Manager

MAIN PURPOSE:

To work as a team member with the G.P. colleagues and deliver optimum patient care. Maintaining responsibility and accountability for all care given by the Nurse. Responsibility to ensure that all nursing care delivered to the Practice population is of the highest standard, is effective and the patient needs are met and continually assessed. Maintaining responsibility for the nursing care needs of patients identified by the Nurse and where care has been transferred to her by the G.P. Responsibility for identifying care needs within the Practice population (i.e. screening) and consequently organising work to meet the needs identified. Direct involvement in Protocol and policy development and overall management of patient care, providing the nursing input to any decision-making processes affecting patient care. Liaison with other members of the Primary Health Care team in order to provide continuity and effective desired overall care of Practice patients. Management of the nursing and medical care of those patients with chronic Disease with the implementation of agreed Protocols. Maintaining a Disease Register and recall systems for these patients. Continual assessment and review of these patients and initiating treatment changes, self-management guidelines as appropriate. Ability to demonstrate the rationale behind all Nursing care implemented, to continually assess, evaluate and alter the treatment given as necessary. Responsibility of Practice Nurse to work independently as an autonomous accountable Practitioner. Reflecting on workload, current practice, ensuring that patient safety is never compromised.

OTHER MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist in and perform routine tasks related to patient care as directed by senior nursing staff and GPs.
• Cytology
• Wound care
• Removal of sutures
• Travel advice and immunisations
• ECGs
• Hypertension management
• Ear syringing
• Routine immunisations/childhood immunisations
• Requesting pathology tests, for example urine culture, swabs
• Following agreed clinical protocols with referral to a senior nurse or GPs as appropriate
• Pill checks/HRT
• Minor illness
• Health promotion
• Participation in administrative systems in the practice
• At all times there will be a need to maintain accurate records
• A duty to advise senior nurse of potential problems or errors within the range of assigned tasks
• Attend and participate in any practice meetings when required
• On occasion there may be a requirement to undertake home visits
• Involvement and participation in practice research activity
• Any other delegated duties appropriate to the post

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE POST:

• An understanding, acceptance and adherence to the need for strict confidentiality.
• Ability to use own judgment, resourcefulness and common sense.
• A commitment to maintain a high professional standard of nursing care and keep up to date with all aspects of nursing care relevant to the post.
• A commitment to ensure all Health and Safety requirements and Infection Control measures are met and reported to appropriate doctor.
• A commitment to the effective use of practice and NHS resources.
• An awareness of own limitations and experience.
• To work only in accordance with the NMC Code of Conduct and within the Scope of Professional Practice.
• To have a written professional development plan and to maintain an up to date portfolio which meets the requirements of registration with the NMC.
• Cooperate with annual appraisal meetings.
• Membership of the RCN and a Medical Defence Body (the latter can be vicarious cover provided by the GP Partners medical defence organisation).
• Understand how to identify and act upon safeguarding concerns (about children and vulnerable adults) in an appropriate manner (to Level 2 East of England Guidance on Safeguarding Children).